Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This site created by a team led by several of the leading embryologists of the last half century uses a highly detailed collection of restored, digitized, and labeled serial sections from the world's largest collection of preserved human embryos at various developmental stages. The site also offers tools to let viewers select a particular "slice" to show the embryo's internal structures. The images are fascinating.

tag(s): embryos (2)

MendelWeb is a rich hypermedia site that integrates the study of elementary mathematics (i.e. probability and statistics), classical genetics, European history, and the history of early modern biology. It is geared to both the high school/AP teacher and student. The section entitled "Secondary Sources and Tools" provides additional ideas and activities for use in the classroom. Noteworthy is the "Mendelroom" a virtual space designed for teachers and students who wish to share their experiences and ideas when using MendelWeb.

tag(s): genetics (80), probability (99), statistics (121)

This site from the U.S. Department of Energy describes the origins and goals of the Human Genome Project, as well as the reasons for DOE's involvement. It offers a literate, sometimes challenging introduction to the effort to map the entire human genetic code. Apart from its obvious use for report research, the site could also serve as an introduction to genetics, cloning, or other aspects of high-tech biology.

tag(s): dna (43), genetics (80)

Though this site has been archived, the contents remain timeless and useful in many settings. BBC's Flash-enabled tour of the human body couples nice animations with relatively detailed descriptions of the major organs and body systems. The texts explain the roles of each body part in maintaining digestion, respiration, circulation, and overall body metabolism. There are also limited links to external information sources. The animations do a particularly good job of showing "how all the parts fit together."

tag(s): body systems (40), respiration (11)

This site from the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Protected Resources provides detailed information on endangered species, their habitats, and the circumstances of their endangered classification. While some information is designed for working professionals, other elements are suitable for use by interested students.

tag(s): endangered species (27), species (16)

From the "Ask a Biologist" series at Arizona State University, this site provides a concise, well illustrated description of how your eyes perceive colors. Easy to use and nicely organized, it's one of several simplified biology resources available from this site.

tag(s): colors (64), eyes (5), vision (44)

Uses computer-enhanced images of living cells and organisms to explain certain cellular processes. The explanations are clear, and well suited to high school students. The topics range from HIV Infection to Streptococcus and parasites.

tag(s): cells (82)

This site offers an introduction to three areas of bioology: cells, microbes, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and animal systems, along with a set of study materials. Though the concepts are "real science," the language is approachable and interesting enough to keep students engaged. This site is well worth a look for use as either a self-study or a resource to accompany an introduction to biology.

tag(s): animals (295), cells (82), plants (146)

includes an Interactive Frog Dissection Kit as well as frog data and 3D constructed images. Images could be imported into presentation software.

tag(s): amphibians (17), dissection (6)

The U.S. Geological Survey maintains this registry of Earth and Environmental Science links. A wide list of topics is covered, excellent resource for research projects.

tag(s): earth (184), environment (252)

This site from NOAA offers information on tides and tidal changes on the U.S. east and west coasts, and provides resources for predicting tides at various points along the coast. Good site to help students understand the factors that contribute to variations in tides from place to place.

tag(s): tides (6)

In this web detective hunt from the University of Leicester (England) students help a scientist figure out what's making the construction workers on the Panama Canal project ill, and work to develop a cure for yellow fever. Plenty of scientific backup to explain how the cure was developed!

tag(s): diseases (67)

Teach students about the positive and negative effects each of us has on our environment.

tag(s): earth (184), ecology (103)

By planting, tending, and harvesting an organic garden, students learn about environmental quality and their roles in the problem.

tag(s): agriculture (49), earth (184)

Teach biology through this hypothesis which focuses either reductively on cell biology, biochemistry and genetics or holistically on an understanding of species in terms of its ecosystem or environment.

tag(s): cells (82)

This site from by NC State publications includes searchable animal databases. A search results in a list of links. This site would be very helpful when completing a research report.

tag(s): zoology (18)

The University of Florida has compiled a listing of insects holding the record for the biggest, fastest, smallest, etc., etc. A good collection of insect trivia, as well as a potential starting point for a more serious exploration of insects and the way they live.

tag(s): insects (69)

Check out the results of Cornell University's Feederbird counts held in February, 1999. Lots of data, maps, and related bird information sorted by location and species. An excellent starting point for a unit on migration, populations, and habitats.

tag(s): birds (46), counting (60)

Information on how gorillas, their habitat, and efforts to help preserve the species in the wild. This site is the home of Koko, who participated in an Internet chat session in the Spring of 1998. The site provides good information while promoting its cause.

tag(s): mammals (22)

Forget all the cutesy froggy sites. This site from the San Francisco's Exploratorium offers a visually impresive exploration of frogs and how they have survived through many millennia. The site includes visuals and frog sounds, as well as extensive scientific content. Good resource for any study of amphibians.
This site includes advertising.

tag(s): amphibians (17)